Dr Stanford was appointed to the role in 2002 and under his stewardship, the private company become the largest Catholic sector hospital services provider and the third largest non-government hospital operator in Australia.

Mr Howarth thanked Dr Stanford for his contribution.

“Under Michael’s leadership St John of God Health has become a major player in the national health sector,” he said.

“Under his stewardship the number of St John of God Health Care’s private acute hospitals has grown and he has increased the group’s public hospital presence at St John of God Midland Public Hospital.

Dr Stanford said it was a career highlight to be the Group chief executive of St John of God Health Care and he was now looking forward to a different stage in his career.

“It’s been a wonderful 16 years and I now very much look forward to using my knowledge and experience to contribute to the Australian community in a different way,” he said.

Mr Howarth said a search was now underway for a replacement for Dr Stanford.